Natalie Higgins, who directs the Public Higher Education Network of Massachusetts, an advocacy group that lobbies for lower college costs, applauded the program but said the state must also increase funding for public colleges and universities.

Earlier this week, Higgins said House lawmakers unveiled a budget plan for next year that provides level-funding for the state’s colleges and universities.

“We can do better,” she said. “We’re a leader in education. That should extend to public higher education.”